EA Delays Battlefield to Avoid GTA 6 Clash

2025 is shaping up to be a blockbuster year for triple-A video games, with a lineup that's nothing short of spectacular. The gaming community is buzzing about the launch of the Nintendo Switch 2 and its exclusive titles, setting the stage for a thrilling year. But that's just the beginning. We're also anticipating major releases such as Borderlands 4, Mafia: The Old Country, and Ghost of Yōtei. And let's not forget the annual tradition—the inevitable new Call of Duty from Activision, likely scheduled for an October or November release.

However, the crown jewel of 2025 is undoubtedly Rockstar's Grand Theft Auto 6, slated for a fall release on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X and S. While Take-Two remains committed to the fall 2025 window, the uncertainty surrounding its launch, combined with the plethora of other big titles, poses a challenge for EA's Battlefield series. EA has targeted its next Battlefield for its 2026 fiscal year, meaning a release before April 2026. This timing overlaps with the anticipated launch of GTA 6, as well as potential release windows for Call of Duty and Borderlands 4. The question then becomes: How much does EA need to consider the release dates of competing games when planning Battlefield's launch?

EA CEO Andrew Wilson has acknowledged the competitive landscape in a recent financial call, suggesting that the company might be open to delaying Battlefield if necessary. "Certainly, we exist in a competitive marketplace," Wilson noted. He emphasized the significant investment and effort put into the new Battlefield, aiming to make it the largest and most ambitious in the franchise's history. With four studios involved and substantial time dedicated, EA is determined to ensure the game's launch window maximizes its potential and community growth.

Wilson also hinted at the possibility of adjusting the launch timing based on the competitive landscape of 2025. "There may be some things happening in the year that may cause us to think differently about our launch timing," he said. EA is targeting an FY 26 launch window, confident that the game will be ready. However, if the timing doesn't seem favorable, EA is prepared to explore alternative windows to ensure Battlefield gets the attention and player acquisition it deserves.

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Assuming the new Battlefield is set for a release before April 2026, perhaps in November 2025 (following the pattern of Battlefield 2042 in November 2021 and Battlefield 5 in November 2018), what happens if GTA 6 launches around the same time? EA might consider delaying Battlefield to the first quarter of 2026, still within its fiscal year. Alternatively, if EA already plans for a Q1 2026 release and Rockstar delays GTA 6 to the same period, EA could potentially advance Battlefield's launch. However, if both games are set for the same window, EA might push Battlefield beyond its fiscal year, a decision Wilson's comments suggest the company is prepared to make.

This uncertainty underscores why EA, and many other third-party publishers, are anxiously awaiting Rockstar's announcement of the GTA 6 release date. Once that's clarified, whether it's for the planned fall 2025 or a delay into 2026, the gaming industry's release calendar will likely fall into place.